October 2025 4-H Newsletter

4-H Happenings

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members

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Table of Contents

Upcoming Dates| County News | Club News | State News | Volunteer News| Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

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Upcoming Dates to Remember

October 1 – Re-enrollment Begins on ZSuite
October 3 – Leaf ID with YOU and ME at the Ellsworth Public Library, 2:00 pm
October 5 to 11 – National 4-H Week
October 10 – Project Records Due
October 13 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Office Closed)
October 15 – 4-H Leaders Meeting, 6:30 pm
October 22 – RSVP for Cloverfest Celebration Due
October 24 – Annual Cloverfest Celebration at Cave Hill Elementary 6pm-7:30pm
October 31 – Photo Contest Due
November 1 – National Trip Application Deadline
November  5 – A Buggy Eye Exam at the Blue Hill Library, 3:30 pm
November 21 – County Re-enrollment Deadline

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County News

Announcing…

Big changes have been brewing in the office this fall, and we’re excited to finally share them with you! Your friendly neighborhood 4-H Professional, Carla Scocchi, will be stepping into a new statewide role as Maine’s 4-H Aquaculture Professional. While Carla will still be a presence here in Hancock County, her focus will shift toward supporting youth aquaculture programs across the state.

We’re equally excited to announce that Leah McCluskey, our current 4-H Community Education Assistant, will be stepping into the role of Hancock County 4-H Professional. Leah is looking forward to continuing her work with schools, libraries, and youth throughout Hancock County—and to building even more opportunities for local 4-H members to grow and thrive!

Fall into 4-H: Cloverfest Recognition Celebration

Join us in celebrating Hancock County at this year’s Cloverfest Recognition Celebration!

This harvest-themed evening will honor our outstanding 4-H members and dedicated volunteers. Fall head (heart, hands, and health)-first into fun hands-on workshops and visit the appreciation station to thank our volunteers. This event is sure to be a treat for the whole family!

Cloverfest will be held on Friday, October 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cave Hill Elementary School.

Please RSVP using our RSVP form by October 22, 2025. We can’t wait to see you there!

• Volunteer Opportunity: Want to help run a workshop? Please contact Leah McCluskey!
• Dinner: The 4-H Leaders’ Association will be providing a light dinner.

Local 4-H Workshops and Events

Leaf ID with YOU and ME – October 3, 2025 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Join Leah at the Ellsworth Public Library on October 3, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a crafty way to embrace the fall foliage! Youth will learn how to make their own tree ID fact sheets by etching the leaves of common tree species in Maine.

A Buggy Eye Exam – November 5, 2025 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Have you ever wondered what its like to look at the world through a different set of eyes? Well, it’s time to find out! Join 4-H at the Blue Hill Public Library on November 5, from 3:30 – 4:30 to make your very own set of compound bug eyes and learn about what it’s like to navigate a garden with a new perspective!

State 4-H Fall Open House: The Fall Open House will be held Saturday, October 11th from 10am – 2pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center (491 College Ave, Orono ME).  Come join us for a fall inspired Open House event! If this is your first time, come learn about the opportunities 4-H has to offer, check out our space, meet our staff, and take part in some fun hands-on activities: Mad Scientist Experiments, Seaweed Squishies, Touch Tank, Tissue Paper Painting, and more!  We encourage everyone to come in costume! For more information, please go to our website or contact Meg Begley-Irish at megan.begley@maine.edu.

Build. Create. Innovate: This event, run by the Girl Scouts of Maine, will be held at the Cole Land Transportation Museum (405 Perry Rd, Bangor ME) on Saturday, October 18th from 10am – 2pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event open to the entire community. This dynamic STEM and innovation event is designed for families, offering a hands-on experience that brings science, technology, engineering, and creativity to life. For more information visit: girlscoutsofmaine.org/en/discover/activities/build-create-innovate-stem-event.html

Project Records

Tell us all about your 4-H year through a project record! We want to know what skills you worked on, what goals you set, and your thoughts about 4-H. Project records will be due to the office on October 10, 2025, so if you haven’t already, get started by visiting our project records webpage. As always, contact the office with any questions you may have!

Re-enrollment

Volunteers are required to complete a background check every three years. If you are due for one, Andrea will contact you soon with the necessary steps. Your ZSuite approval is contingent on a completed background check.

Photo Contest

It’s time for our annual 4-H Photo Contest! The due date for photo submission is October 31, but the portal to submit your photos is open! Check out our webpage to learn more about guidelines and how to submit.

Hancock County 4-H Seasonal Compass

Discover the wonders of Maine’s changing seasons with the “Hancock County 4-H Seasonal Compass.”

Each month, we’ll focus on a different aspect of Maine’s seasonal cycle, engaging in activities that promote Head (learning and thinking), Heart (caring and relating), Hands (giving and working), and Health (living and being). From exploring winter wildlife to harvesting fall crops, there’s something for everyone!

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Club News

Aquarium Club: Our club is growing! We’ve welcomed new members from Virginia and Maryland. Do you love fish and want to learn more? Join our virtual aquarium club – we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Please complete the interest form to join!

Home Sweet Farm: Home Sweet Farm will meet on Tuesday, October 7th, from 3:15 to 4:15 pm. Our leaders will teach about different types of knots, and youth will practice knot tying. 

Horse of Course: Meetings are starting back up this month! We can’t wait to see you!

Jolly Juniors: Joannie and her crew of Jolly Juniors have been working on a community service project at Cave Hill School. The school received a donation of two benches with planters. The club members sanded, stained, planted bulbs, and added mums! They are also sanding and staining a picnic table for the school. We had beautiful weather to finish this project this month!

Lock, Stock, & Barrel: The Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H club meets weekly on Wednesday at the Blue Hill Rifle and Pistol Club from 6 – 8 pm in Blue Hill. This is for youth 4-H age 9 to 18 (9 as of December 31, 2025). Disciplines that will be taught through the fall and winter are basic rifle safety and shooting skills, archery, wildlife, and black powder. For more information, call club leaders Norwood and Becky Ames, 207.567.3066.

Pine Tree Pioneers: The Pine Tree Pioneers’ September meeting was all about HARVEST! Together we picked veggies from the garden and then rolled up our sleeves to make zucchini bread, tomato sauce, and flower arrangements. It was a little messy, very colorful, and absolutely delicious! The meeting was filled with energy, laughter, and the aromas of fall cooking. Members got to practice teamwork in the kitchen, creativity with their arrangements, and the satisfaction of enjoying food they helped grow.

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State News

Apply Now – Ignite by 4-H 2026: Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.

We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14 and 18 years old at the time of the trip.

Delegates will:

• Work in a focus area group
•  Participate in planning meetings
• Attend the national summit
• Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers

Track Options & Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)

• Agriscience
• Animal Science
• Community Activators
• Healthy Living
• STEM
• Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

4-H National Trip Applications are Open: Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H
Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the
time of the actual trip.

• 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
• 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia

Dairy Goat Educational Opportunity for 4-H Members: Calling all 4-Hers! Don’t miss the exciting Youth Program at the ADGA National Convention, happening October 18–19 in Danvers, MA. This is your chance to connect with fellow youth goat enthusiasts and dive into hands-on learning and fun. Activities include a Skillathon, ultrasound demonstrations, a goat milk product activity,
and much more!

Whether you’re new to dairy goats or a seasoned showman, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills and make new friends. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the Youth Program at convention.adga.org. For more information, contact Heidi Vanderloop at hvanderloop@adga.org.

State Youth Council: The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open! The Maine 4-H Youth Council is an opportunity to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H throughout our state. As part of this leadership group, you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nominees must be between the ages of 16 and 24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after-school, school-based, mentoring, or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members. If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year.

The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person. Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted. We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties, 4-H Camps and Learning Centers, and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.

Nominations are due October 15th.  Nomination Google Form: forms.gle/aVrdVavUU6JJVCCL7

National 4-H Week Get Involved!!

Go Green – Monday, October 6, 2025

On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H state spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni & supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H program being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, and face paint – anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN!

Share your Go Green moment on social and tag National 4-H, The Maine 4-H program, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

4-H For Good – Thursday, October 9, 2025

On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! A day to recognize all 4-H’ers who are doing good and making a positive impact by helping their communities and beyond. Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference – another 4-H’er, volunteer or educator. We want to know!

Share on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

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Volunteer News

Robotics Training for Educators: Friday, November 7, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center in Orono. This workshop is designed to teach adults how to build and program with Lego® SPIKE Prime robot kits. We focus on using the skills learned from these workshops to teach robotics at schools and on robot teams. It is also great for anyone interested in learning something about robots, programming, or computers! We will be using the LEGO SPIKE robot controller, and programming it using the LEGO Education SPIKE App.

Register online by November 4, and limited to 12 attendees.

4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips and tricks
Positive Youth Development – What is a Spark?

A spark is that special interest, skill, or passion that lights a fire in a young person’s life. Sparks give youth energy, joy, and purpose—and when volunteers help identify them, youth thrive! While sparks are self-discovered and self-identified, volunteers can assist by introducing youth to new topics and exposing them to new experiences. A 4-H “spark” differs from a typical hobby by focusing on a deeper sense of purpose and contribution, while a hobby is primarily a leisure activity pursued for personal pleasure. Check back next month for more information about sparks!

4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar: We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! You can find our calendar of events here – scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!

4-H Volunteer Huddle: Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for
everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
Password: volunteer
Oct. 3 – Start Strong: Get Organized for a Great 4-H Year!
Nov. 7- Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals

Resource Spotlight

• Virtual Workshop Series offered by UConn 4-H – Oct 22 and 29, Nov 5 and 12, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  Stewarding Human and Animal Health Through Effective Biosecurity Practices
  Free! Registration due October 10, 2025.
• Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer. This podcast will help you get organized for the new 4-H year ahead!

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Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

4-H Leaders Association Meeting on September 17, 2025

Hybrid, in person and Zoom

Attendees: Lisa Carney, Brenda Jordan, Leah McCluskey, Lee Sargent, Elaine Gokey, Andrea Mahoney, Dawn Roberto, and Erin Kinney.

The treasurer’s report was accepted as read by Leah.
August minutes were accepted as written in the newsletter.

Club Reports:

• The Service Squad- have not met since the fair. Moving to twice a month meetings.
• Pine Tree Pioneers – meeting tomorrow with Carla, will have 6 or 7 members.
• Jolly Juniors – four members working with Joannie to sand and stain donated benches. 
• Horse of Course- will start meeting next month.
• Home Sweet Farm- start in October, meeting now at 3:15.

Old Business:

• Blue Hill Fair
  • Buddy transported the steer, motion made to pay him $100 for transport. Seconded and passed.
  • Exhibit hall statistics for this fair: 55 kids, 157 exhibits, and 3 club projects entered. 
  • The horse show went very well with 27 riders entered. 
  • Rebecca Duhaime offered the BHF Livestock Area donated hay and straw to any 4-H families. Contact the office if you are interested.
  • 4-H representation in the BHF committee meetings. Leah is hoping to start going to some this year.
  • There is a plan to replace the drywall near the window in the exhibit hall, Lee will get a quote.

New Business

• No kids from Hancock County going to Eastern States this year 🙁
• Have a Food Booth Instructional at Jamboree? Have abbreviations written out for orders.
• Need a judge (preferably 2) for the photo contest. We usually get 30-60 entries, judging is done online. Leah has an instructional Powerpoint to explain how to do the judging. Let her know if you have any leads.
• Project records will be coming up soon.
• Bylaws/Constitution of the Hancock County Leaders- amend the 2017 bylaws to make the quorum number to 5 from 6; seconded and approved.
• Motion to change meeting days from the second Tuesday of each month to the third Wednesday; seconded and approved. Lisa Carney will update the bylaws and give a copy to the office.
• Cloverfest will be October 24th at Cave Hill. Ideas: baked potato bar, walking tacos, bounce house (town of Eastbrook has one). Time- 6 to 7:30. 
• Banquet- need date, time and location. Have it in the Extension Office? Have a cooking workshop to prepare a meal together? Cello music? Leadersgiving? November 20th. Should we still have the silent auction? 
• Election of officers: Brenda Jordan as President, Elaine Gokey as VP, Lisa Carney as Secretary, Terry Swazey as Treasurer. The Board of Directors includes Lee Sargent, Joannie Jodrey, and Andrea Mahoney. The secretary cast a ballot to elect the new slate of leadership for 2025-2026.

Office News

• Leah is now the Hancock County 4-H Professional. Carla will become the state Aquaculture specialist. Andrea is taking over the newsletter, she will be sending out a form to report club news with. 
• Leah’s schedule for the rest of the month involves going to Eastern States and representing 4-H at the Ellsworth Autumn Gold festival. 
• Leah has touch tank availability, she is training new staff and she is offering the experience for free to a limited number of friends of 4-H. Great for local schools!
• Ideas for volunteer recruitment- we are looking for volunteers, they don’t have to have a club, could be a single experience. 

Motion to adjourn at 8:03 pm, seconded and approved.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary